Lü Ji (ca. 1429-ca. 1505), Egrets in Flight, Ming dynasty

Folding fan mounted as an album leaf, ink and colors on paper, 15.7 x 49.1 cm

The seal and signature do not accord with the style of this painting, the brushwork derived from the manner of Lü Ji and tending to have a straightforward quality but nonetheless bearing his simple yet hoary manner. The forms of the white egrets derive from those in "Autumnal Egrets and Hibiscus," the one in the middle being especially similar. The reeds and the rocky slopes are also close to those of "Autumn Shoals and Waterfowl," expressing Lü Ji's misty river scenery and making this an imitation in his style. Text and images are provided by National Palace Museum